How to Fix Grungy Grout

Clean grout helps a tile wall look clean and inviting.

Grungy grout can make otherwise sparkling tile look dull and dirty. Grout absorbs stains from soap scum, hard water, dirt and mildew, especially in moist areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Depending on the cause, the resulting stains may just look gray and dingy, or they may look orange or greenish. Removing the scum and dirt and brightening the grout makes the entire tiled surface look cleaner and prevents the stains from spreading to other parts of the grout.

1

Combine three parts baking soda with one part water in a small bowl. Mix it until it forms a smooth paste.

2

Dip an old toothbrush into the baking soda paste. Scrub the grout thoroughly with the paste to remove hard-water deposits and dirt. Rinse the grout with clear water.

3

Fill a spray bottle with 1 quart of cool water. Add 2 tablespoons of bleach. Use this solution if the grout still appears dirty or discolored after scrubbing it with the baking soda paste.

4

Spray the grout with bleach solution. Allow the bleach to dry on its own. As it dries it lightens any stains and whitens the grout.

5

Rub lemon oil into the grout once the bleach dries. Allow the lemon oil to dry for one hour, then apply a second coat and let it dry. The lemon oil further brightens the grout and helps prevent future stains.

Things You Will Need

Baking soda

Bowl

Old toothbrush

Spray bottle

Bleach

Lemon oil

Tip

Wipe down wet tile and grout before the water dries to prevent mildew, mold and hard-water stains from forming.

Warning

Do not mix bleach with an ammonia-based tile cleaner. Bleach and ammonia produce a deadly gas when combined.

About the Author

Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.